Qingdao, in east Shandong province, plans to organize a series of activities to strengthen the chances of Beijing getting the Olympic bid in the new century.

Some distinguished enterprises in Qingdao have come together to help Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Bid Committee. They will donate funds to help Beijing's bid and improve Qingdao's competitiveness as a candidate city to host the sailing events during the Olympic Games.

On the eve of the new century, Qingdao will organize a signature signing activity in the Century Square to show that the city's 10,000 residents' support Beijing's bid.

The city's 12 districts will hold a marathon on the first day of the 21st century. It is estimated that 1,000 people will take part in the event.

(China Daily 12/12/2000)